Ad Hoc Commission releases initial report
Filed Under: Ad Hoc Commission, Convention, district convention
The special Ad Hoc Commission—established by the 2007 synod convention to analyze the synod's problems and potential and to recommend how to improve its ministry—has released its preliminary report to be presented to the district conventions in June.
In the report, commission members narrowed their task by stating they were "not in a position to articulate and develop a specific or strategic plan of ministry for the synod." Rather, the report says, "the commission concluded that its primary function would be to provide recommendations that would serve as a foundation" for such planning.
The commission is making a wide range of recommendations addressing a variety of concerns related to the synod's work, including mission efforts, budget and finances, pursuing excellence among clergy, synod and district structure, theological matters, and the cost of ministerial education.
Some of the most noteworthy recommendations include
- that the Board for Home Missions place special emphasis on new church openings in growing areas of the country;
- that three new districts be formed from portions of the five largest districts in the Midwest—to help district presidents carry out their responsibilities in a more personal and proactive way;
- that accountability for all Board for Parish Services functions be assigned to the Conference of Presidents (COP) through the vice president, and all Parish Services ministries be included in a new budget area called "District and Congregational Ministry"—all to ensure congregations make more use of these ministries because of the level of trust they have in the COP; and
- that one or both of two options be explored and implemented to reduce the cost of education at Martin Luther College—currently running about $4,000 to $5,000 per year more than the cost of many public universities in the Midwest.
Each district will decide on its own how to respond to the report. The Ad Hoc Commission will consider that feedback, along with feedback from individuals, before drafting a final report for presentation to the 2009 synod convention.
To view the complete Ad Hoc Commission preliminary report and the Report to the Twelve Districts prepared for convention delegates and laypeople, go to www.wels.net/jump/rttd
Offer feedback about the Ad Hoc Commission report before Oct. 1 via e-mail: adhoc@wels.net or through the mail: Ad Hoc Commission, 2929 N Mayfair Rd, Milwaukee WI 53222.
